California Chrome returning to California in May

CYPRESS, Calif. – California Chrome is nearly two weeks into his Kentucky vacation and is not expected to return to trainer Art Sherman’s stable at Los Alamitos until early May.

Sherman is already planning for California Chrome’s return and is developing a tentative itinerary for the 5-year-old’s summer racing season.

The $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 20 is the main goal, and possible prep races include the $250,000 Eddie Read Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf there July 17 or the $200,000 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on the main track there July 23.

California Chrome won the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on turf at Del Mar in 2014.

California Chrome was sent to Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, Ky., on April 3 after clearing quarantine in Chicago following his win in the $10 million Dubai World Cup in the United Arab Emirates on March 26.

Earlier this month, California Chrome underwent a physical inspection by veterinarian Larry Bramlage and was given a clean bill of health, Sherman said.

“They’ve sent me videos, and he looks good,” Sherman said. “He’s put back on the weight he lost. He looks to be enjoying the rest.

“I guess he’ll be coming back when the horses that run in the Kentucky Derby come back to California.”

The Kentucky Derby is May 7. California-based runners who race at Churchill Downs are likely to be sent back to the West Coast a few days later.

Owned by Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm, California Chrome became the richest Thoroughbred ever based in North America with his win in the Dubai World Cup. The 2014 Horse of the Year, California Chrome has won 12 of 21 starts and earned $12,532,650.